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Benda P51 – 62hp 250cc Hybrid

Benda distinguishes itself as a manufacturer who creates bold motorcycles. As in bold overall, both in looks and engine performance. Let us take this new Benda P51 as an example.

It was first unveiled at the Chongqing Motorcycle Expo in China before being displayed before the international crowd at EICMA 2025 in Milan, Italy.

The maker says that the name was inspired by the P-51 Mustang WWII fighter plane. But whether you can see past the relevance or otherwise is another matter because the most significant feature of this bike is its engine.

That is a 250cc flat-twin or better known as a ‘Boxer.’ Ok, that was interesting point Number 1. To boost its performance, Benda mated that engine to an electric motor, making the P51 a hybrid. So far so good? Now how about 62 hp and 100 Nm when both the engine and motor work together?

62 horses put the bike in the regions of 600cc bikes, by the way. What is more, Benda claims that the P51 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, as the motor’s output shaft is geared directly to the front sprocket. It means that this bike will out accelerate any 250cc to some 600cc bikes.

But the real advantage of the Benda P51 should be its agility. The maker claims the bike weighs just 177 kg, wet. Furthermore, the horizontal placement of the opposed engine cylinders, and the battery at the bottom promotes a low centre of gravity, something that can be fully felt especially at low speeds.

In the looks department, the bike follows Benda’s philosophy of making a statement, looking like prototypes that bigger manufacturers show off only to water down for production. Lest we forget, the headlight features an aircraft-like propeller which forms an ‘X.”

By the way, the Benda Motorcycles company is a subsidiary of the Hangzhou Saturn Power Technology Co., Ltd. who has a strategic partnership with Keeway Motorcycles. Keeway, on the other hand, is under QJMotor. Going further up, QJMotor is a subsidiary of a certain Geely Holding Group.

Gracshaw Launches 3 New Helmets, Unveils New Brand Identity for 20th Anniversary

Gracshaw is a homegrown helmet brand that has a long and established standing in the motorcycle market. Their popularity stems from bold designs, colours, and graphics that set them apart. In fact, 2026 marks the brand’s 20th anniversary. As such, Gracshaw had unveiled their new brand identity today (13 November).

From Gracshaw’s Press Release

GRACSHAW marks its upcoming 20th anniversary by introducing a new brand identity. This new chapter positions GRACSHAW as a lifestyle-driven helmet brand striving to become a trendsetter that unites riders through experiences that celebrate passion and creativity. On top of that, GRACSHAW’s new helmet lineups are designed to meet the needs of Malaysia’s fast-evolving scooter-riding community.

For Street. For Riders.

In celebration of its 20-years journey, GRACSHAW is taking a bold leap forward to become a lifestyle-led brand. Its new logo features a bold stroke across the letter “G”, capturing motion in its purest form – a design stripped to conviction, expressing power with precision and confidence without excess. The new tagline, “FROM STREET” shapes the brand’s design philosophy, drawing inspiration from bold, unapologetic street culture that celebrates enthusiasm and expression. In addition, it stands tall as the ‘Alpha from the Street’ by setting new trends and redefining the riding scene. Together, the new logo and tagline embody a culture where helmets become expressions of riders’ personalities and stories.

In this new chapter, GRACSHAW puts helmets and the riding community at the heart of everything it does. It defines itself by three core manifestos: radical, uncompromising, and human-first, by launching designs underpinned by a brand ideology built on the three pillars of style, attitude, and authenticity. Through this movement, GRACSHAW aims to resonate with riders who seek to explore new experiences, connect with others who share their passion and dare to express their identity.

“GRACSHAW rebranding initiative aims to cultivate a riding culture inspired by street culture – our root,” shared Mr. Chiong Sai Weng, Senior Business Development Manager. “Through this new identity, we’re creating a lifestyle that connects with local riders and celebrates passion and creativity.”

GRACSHAW began its journey in 2006 as a helmet manufacturer producing SIRIM-approved helmets to ensure riders’ safety. The evolution came in 2013 when GRACSHAW distinguished itself as a design-forward brand with the launch of GRACSHAW Originals and limited-edition collaborations.

New Generation of Helmets

Following its rebranding, GRACSHAW officially launches three new helmets engineered for scooter enthusiasts – GENNEX II, GLAIVE, and GLADEON.

GENNEX II

The open-face GENNEX II follows its predecessor’s ethos as a helmet designed for maxi and touring scooter riders. Mature urbanites will appreciate its stylish yet functional design, easily pairing it with their pillion’s gear for a coordinated look, it features a micrometric buckle system for safer and easier fastening.

GLAIVE

Bold and contemporary, the open-face GLAIVE resonates with urban riders who live fast and ride in style. It serves as an ideal companion for compact urban scooters, allowing riders to weave through narrow streets and busy beltways effortlessly. Riders can enhance the helmet’s appearance by installing a rear ducktail spoiler which helps improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

GLADEON

The full-face GLADEON embodies the adventurous spirit of long-distance riders, it is the perfect match for high-performance scooters, tough enough to handle speed and endurance on every ride. This helmet comes with a KlearAF Anti-Fog insert, an ultra-thin lens that keeps the view crystal clear for various weather conditions. Eac GLADEON helmet purchase includes complimentary riding essentials, including the GRACSHAW Balaclava for extra comfort and GRACSHAW Ear Plugs to protect the rider’s hearing.

GRACSHAW also introduces the Fit Check Measurement System, a smart invention that helps riders find the perfect fit for total comfort. This system further reinforces GRACSHAW’s position as a user-centric brand that prioritises riders’ needs and safety.

Every GRACSHAW helmet is built around three core principles: integrated safety, style-forward design, and tech-engineered comfort. All of which are reflected in the new helmet models – GENNEX II, GLAIVE, GLADEON – upgraded features, which include:

ContourFit Advance Comfort Padding and Inner Liner System: offers a pressure-free fit that adapts at any speed.
SpecFit Eyeglasses Friendly System: integrated directly into the padding to keep eyewear securely in place even on long rides.
AeroFlow Ventilation System: delivers continuous cooling through a precisely engineered intake-to-exhaust airflow system.
Aero-G Cool Comfort Fabric Liner: combats sweat-related odour and bacteria by ensuring lasting freshness and hygiene during long rides under hot weather.
KlearView High Clarity Visor: provides UV and glare protection while allowing riders express their individuality.
KlearAF Anti-Fog System: for uncompromised clarity in all weather conditions.

These enhancements reinforce GRACSHAWS commitment to user-centric design principles, allowing riders to experience maximum enjoyment and confidence on the road.

Best of all, scooter riders can enjoy a safer riding experience with GENNEX II priced at RM398, GLAIVE at RM478, and GLADEON at RM565. The new series of GRACSHAW helmets will be available from December 2025.

More GRACSHAW Excitement

Riding on the wave of its anniversary celebration, GRACSHAW proudly announces the opening of its first concept store, offering riders a more immersive experience of the GRACSHAW culture. Adding to the excitement, the brand is also planning on new collaborations and partnerships across various industries to create fresh, impressive designs.

GRACSHAW remains committed to redefining riding culture through continuous innovation, refined style and lifestyle-driven design. Stay tuned for further updates.

2026 Ducati DesertX V2 Launched at EICMA 2025

Four years after the model’s birth, the new generation 2026 Ducati DesertX V2 was unveiled at EICMA 2025. As the name suggests, it utilises the maker’s new V2 engine, besides introducing a whole host of technical upgrades.

Highlights:

As mentioned earlier, the engine is the new 890cc V2 with Intake Variable Timing (IVT), which replaces the current 937cc Testastretta.
The IVT valvetrain offers linear torque from down low to hard and quick sportbike-like engine performance at high RPMs.

Evidence to this is the availability of 70% of maximum torque at 3,000 RPM, before hiking up to 80% of maximum torque from 3,500 RPM.
Ducati says the engine produces the same peak power of 110 hp at 9,000 RPM and maximum torque of 92.9 Nm at 7,000 RPM as posted by the outgoing Testastretta.

Another big change is the rear suspension, where Ducati has installed a new progressive linkage arm that connects below the seat to the new and redesigned swingarm.
This sort of linkage was first seen on the Ducati 916 and brought over to subsequent sportbike models, but the new DesertX is the first off-road motorcycle to be fitted with it.

The 2026 Ducati DesertX V2 is also lighter by over 4 kg, bringing the bike’s wet weight (without fuel) down to 205.9 kg.
The new bike retains the current 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.

Elsewhere, the overall silhouette is unmistakably the DesertX’s but the front DRL rings have their top and bottom cut off.
The new bike’s profile also looks slimmer, although the body was shrouded by camouflage.

The 7.95-litre spare fuel tank is also retained.
A new TFT screen was fitted to the prototype at EICMA, albeit set in a horizontal position compared to the vertical orientation on the original DesertX.

Other additions include a steering damper and GPS mounting bar.

Ducati said that they will unveiled the 2026 Ducati DesertX V2’s full specifications in February 2026, and the bike should be in overseas dealerships in May 2026.

CFMoto V4 SR-RR Superbike Prototype with 210hp++ Incoming

Maybe everyone knows by now that CFMoto is accelerating their model developments to the world market. Part of that relentless march is CFMoto V4 superbike which they say produces more than 210 hp.

CFMoto had actually displayed the prototype V4 engine at EICMA 2024. But the patents had been leaked a year prior to that. But an engine in nothing without a (good-looking) motorcycle and vice-versa, right?

So here is the complete prototype which looks production-ready.

The company has been racing in Moto2 and Moto3, while being missing from World Superbike, World Supersport, and of course MotoGP.

CFMoto has not indicated that the V4 SR-RR will be headed to WorldSBK, per se, but in any case, almost all motorcycle manufacturers place a superbike as their flagship model. This is because the superbike is the model that is packed with the latest features and technologies.

The first thing you may notice numerous winglets on the bike. Unlike those on its peers, the V4 SR-RR’s are active, meaning they change their angle of attack according to riding speed, conditions, and possibly even the selected ride mode. In fact, they already work together with the bike’s semi-active electronic suspension.

Displayed at EICMA 2025, the CFMoto V4 SR-RR was fitted with Brembo Hypure brake calipers and full-titanium exhaust system.

While CFMoto has not revealed the bike’s full specifications, there are pictures of it being ridden on a track. If you remember the Zoom and 675 SR, the manufacturer had also released such pictures just prior to the bike’s official debut. So, the V4 SR-RR may be coming real soon.

Öhlins Rolls out New Logo

There is one brand of suspension that everyone lusts over and it includes discerning car drivers, too. That brand: Öhlins. The Swedish brand has just rolled out a new logo.

The new logo now drops the umlauts (the two dots) on top of the letter “O”, while replacing the decades-old type font with a more modern, if not futuristic look.

“Today marks the dawn of a new era for Öhlins. Debuting a new visual identity, the Swedish suspension brand and global racing icon moves boldly into the future while honouring its past,” says their press release.

Öhlins was purchased earlier this year by Brembo, with the two forging a new partnership that better applies each piece of those companies’ technology in a more unified way for the end consumer. But, clearly, Öhlins wanted to better differentiate itself in its new era, and switched things up, though, thankfully, the iconic gold-plated visage that signifies the brand’s top-tier suspension setups remains.

“Over the past 50 years, Öhlins has built a brand synonymous with racing excellence and cutting-edge suspension technology,” said Mark Spelthaen, Managing Director, Öhlins Group, adding, “While we have strived to remain at the forefront of high-performance, premium suspension, the visual representation of our brand has not evolved at the same pace. As we enter this exciting new era for Öhlins, our new visual identity positions us to continue our legacy into the future. It reflects the forward-looking, innovative spirit at the core of our brand while opening new opportunities to connect with and inspire enthusiasts.”

New Colours for 2025 Yamaha Y15ZR, from RM8,998

As expected, there are new colours for the 2025 Yamaha Y15ZR. The rest of the bike remains the same.

The Yamaha Y15ZR soldiers on since its launch in August 2015. The decade-old model has seen several updates, but mostly confined to the colours and graphics. Hey, why fix what is not broken? And it continues to sell well, regardless of what detractors say. And this is one bike that has a huge aftermarket industry built in its shadow.

The engine remains the same 150cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder unit, producing a maximum power of 15.1 hp (11.3 kW) at 8,500 rpm and 13.8 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.

Back to the 2025 model, the three new colours are called Blue Spark, Aqua Violet, and Mecha Green. The new colour selection are already available at all authorised Yamaha dealers nationwide starting from 06th November 2025, with a recommended retail price of RM8,998.00, excluding registration fees and insurance coverage.